Doctors, research say drug-free nasal wash relieves allergy symptoms

MADISON, Wis. (April 7, 2006) - High pollen counts mean one thing: allergy misery. Spring is one of the worst seasons for allergies, affecting over 10 percent of the U.S. population. Yet, there is hope for relief, thanks to an ancient concept that has recently been confirmed by science: nasal washing. Dr. Diane G. Heatley, an ear, nose and throat specialist, has designed an effective over-the-counter product, the SinuCleanse® nasal wash system, to help treat allergy and sinus sufferers, making nasal washes easier to use – and to find – than ever before.

Several studies of late have supported the efficacy of nasal washing for the management of allergy symptoms. The soothing saline rinse removes irritating allergens from tree pollen, dust, mold and outdoor air, which cause the itching nose and eyes, sneezing and congestion suffered this time of year. By treating the root cause of the problem, rather than just treating the symptoms, nasal washing provides all-natural, fast acting relief. Recent studies show that nasal washing can even influence the levels of immunoglobulin in blood, demonstrating the efficacy of the treatment in allergy patients. Specific findings include:

A study conducted by John W. Georgitis at Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, N.C., followed 30 patients and found that nasal wash saline solutions decreased allergic inflammation of the nose better than other treatments and also lasted several hours post-treatment.
A study conducted by Jose Subiza, M.D. with the Department of Immunology, San Carlos Hospital in Madrid, Spain, followed 25 patients with grass allergies over 8 weeks during pollen season, taking blood samples prior to the experiment and afterwards. The study found that immunoglobulin levels in the blood of those using the nasal wash did not rise as much as those who were not irrigating, showing that those using the nasal wash had less immune system "stimulation" to the allergens.
A study conducted by Werner Garavello, M.D. at the University of Milano, followed 20 children (age 6 -12 yrs) with allergies and found that those who used the nasal wash 3 times a day for 6 weeks during allergy season reported fewer symptoms and less antihistamine use that those who were not using the saline.

For centuries, yogis have been using nasal washes – administered by a neti pot – to soothe the nasal passages and relieve sinus problems without the use of drugs. Dr. Heatley’s SinuCleanse®system uses a plastic pot, designed to be more user-friendly than original glass pots. And, with national retailers backing over-the-counter washes such as the SinuCleanse® system, this age-old treatment is gaining widespread support. The SinuCleanse® system is sold nationally through Walgreens, CVS Pharmacies and online at http://www.sinucleanse.com for $14.95.

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Med-Systems Inc., founded in 1997, has national headquarters in Madison, Wis.